As expected, the Bears' coaching staff will feature plenty of new faces next season.
The Bears announced Thursday evening that seven assistant coaches would not be retained under contract for the 2013 season. Those coaches include Mike Tice, who spent last season as the offensive coordinator, as well as Jeremy Bates (quarterbacks coach), Bob Babich (linebackers coach), Mike DeBord (tight ends coach), Darryl Drake (wide receivers coach), Tim Holt (offensive line coach) and Tim Spencer (running backs coach).
Earlier Thursday, new Bears head coach Marc Trestman confirmed that defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli would not be back with the team in 2013. Trestman said he had hoped Marinelli would stay, but Marinelli decided that it was time to move on and pursue other opportunities.
So far, two new assistants have joined Trestman's coaching staff. They are Aaron Kromer, who will serve as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, as well as Joe DeCamillis, who will serve as an assistant coach and special-teams coordinator.
Expect the Bears to fill more job vacancies in the days ahead.
-Tom Musick
